this beekeeper from Orne reveals his little-known asset

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It is one of those plants that we are quick to cut down… Ivy invades many walls in gardens all over France. However, in this end of October 2024it plays an essential and yet little-known role.
Mike Vivien, professional beekeeper whose premises are located in Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Orne)is in the front row. At the foot of a wall in his garden, the noise of bees mixes with a sweet smell… “There, we are on the last honey flow on flowers before winter. »

An ally for endangered bee species

Amidst the foliage, the bright yellow pollen serves as food for black bees, a species that Mike is keen to preserve in Normandy. “It’s a phenomenon that started about three weeks ago on the ivy, and makes it possible to constitute a reserve in hives. »

Ivy has a bad reputation for being like a cancer, although if the tree or wall it is on is healthy, it will not damage it.

From this last flower gathered in the season, can we hope to savor honey ? “Brittany, for example, is known for its ivy honey, but here for the moment, it just serves as provision until spring,” replies Mike Vivien.

No tasting at the end therefore, but a precious gesture for the environment. “Our sector maintains the domestic bee, but solitary species are endangered“, affirms the beekeeper, based on the work carried out by Lionel Garnery, researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and international specialist in genetics bees.

In Europe, there are 20,000 species a dangerand 2,500 in France: as many bees for which an ivy flower may be essential. “It’s a matter of another fortnight, before their hibernation. »

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